How to Wash Nursing Bras Properly
Keeping your bras well-cared for is vital for your comfort and your baby’s health. Unless post-workout, or after a particularly sweaty day, it is generally recommended that you wash your bras after 2-3 wears. Compared to a regular bra, nursing bras do go through so much more. Apart from supporting heavy lactating breasts, they are subjected to leaks & spills, pulling & stretching, and even baby’s spittle..!
Bras collect sweat and germs because they sit right on your skin. Since your baby’s mouth will be in direct contact with your breasts, you certainly want to make sure that your bras are always reasonably clean. Hence, do make sure that the detergent you use is effective on dirt yet gentle enough on the delicate fabric.
Here are some tips on how to care for your nursing bras properly:
The best way to wash a bra:
*Lovemère bras are hand-made and produced only in a clean & hygienic environment. Before your first wear, a quick gentle hand-wash with a mild detergent is sufficient.
Typically, we recommend hand-washing as the best way to preserve your bra’s lifespan... WAIT- before you stop reading right here, let me assure you that washing bras by hand is actually much easier than you think.
Firstly, use only cold/cool water, because prolonged exposure to hot water can break down elasticity over time.
Secondly, be sparing with detergent - A small amount (a teaspoon to a tablespoon’s worth) is all you need to get bras clean. Always use a non-alcoholic detergent that is mild enough for the bra as well as your hands.
Lastly, be gentle when squeezing your bras dry to remove excess water — you should never wring a bra because the twisting motion will cause too much strain on the delicate fabric.
Detailed Steps:
-Fill a sink or a bucket with cold water and add some detergent.
-Allow the bras soak for a couple of minutes. Swish the bras in the soapy water gently.
-Finally, gently rinse under cold water until water runs clear.
There's an amazing tip that I want to leave you with, that can help you extend the wear time of your bras in between washings - The shower rinse, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Take your bra into the shower with you and rinse it under the running water for just under a minute. The shower rinse is going to wick away some of the sweat & grim on your bra, and allows you to prolong the wear before the next wash.
But the reality of a mum’s life...
We understand that motherhood means heaps of responsibilities. So hand-washing bras is probably not on your list of priorities. Hence if the washing machine is your go-to option, we totally get it. However, a little care goes a long way. Always use a lingerie/laundry bag and clasp the bras before you place them in the bag. This way, the bras are protected from tugging, stretching, bent hooks, and getting tangled with other clothing during the wash.
Use a mild detergent, cold water, and always a gentle/delicate cycle. Wash light and dark colors separately. Avoid washing bras with heavy items like towels, sweatshirts or jeans, all of which can abrade the delicate fabric.
And then it has to dry well.
Never subject bras to machine dryers since the heat can damage the fibers and its elasticity. Also, absolutely no wringing! Instead, wrap washed bras in a clean towel and gently press to remove excess water. Now, use your hands to reshape the cups and let the bras air-dry on a drying rack or just a flat toweled surface away from direct heat and direct sunlight.
Or, simply drape them on hangers by the center gore (the centre strip of fabric that attached to the bra cups). Don't hang your bras to dry by their straps. The weight of the wet bra will cause the straps to stretch out prematurely.
Store Bras Properly.
Try to avoid stuffing your bras in a drawer. Fold non-padded bras before placing in drawers neatly, but stack padded bras whole one over the other to avoid crumpled, creased and misshapen bra cups.
One way to make sure that you’ll always have a good clean nursing bra is to simply ensure that you have enough pieces of rotate. Regular rotation also prolongs the longevity of favorite nursing bras you can’t do without.
You can stock up over here. These bras are designed for maximum comfort & daily use with minimum wear and tear even after multiple washes.
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